Theoretical analysis on the nucleation of micro-damage in cement mortar under compressive loading and sulfate attack

Effect of uniaxial compression on the nucleation of micro-damage in cement mortar under sulfate attack is investigated. Shape and size of micro-voids in cement mortar is detected using Micro Computed Tomography techniques. The formation of delayed ettringite crystal is analyzed using scanning electron microscope and energy disperse spectrum methods. Deformation of micro-voids and the distribution of stress at the surface of a micro-void are calculated. It is found that the nucleation of micro-cracks is caused by the tensile stress at the voids' surface, and such damage nucleation will be speeded up by the remote uniaxial compressive load.